Recently while rummaging through the attic of an old mansion built in the 1840’s, this writer came across an old tarnished brass lamp and thoughts of Aladdin began to dance through my head. Thought to myself, just what might I wish for if I rubbed this and a genie appeared who did in fact grant me a wish?

Hmmm, I pondered, how about the motorcycle ride of my life along the breathtaking roads of the Italian Tuscany region aboard a sleek exotic European machine? And then, since I’m in Italy, why not ask the genie to provide an Italian woman who reminds me of my favorite Italian movie star, Sophia Loren? Heck, I’d even settle for Elisabetta Canalis on the back of my motorbike.

I imagined she and I hopping aboard a Ducati motorcycle for a tour of some of the great motorcycle roads of the Apennine Mountains of Italy. For good measure, once we got done with the mountain roads, we would visit a genuine Italian motorcycle race track to put a couple of those KTM bikes through their paces and see what they were really made of.

Smitten with this vision, I set down the lamp, went to my computer and got online to search for how I could put the dream together in real life. Incredibly, the search revealed a company by the name of Columbus-International Motorcycle Rentals and Tours that must have been reading my mind. With the exception of the female partner, Columbus-International offers just such a tour:  an 8 day Italian and South France motorcycle vacation beginning Tuesday, April 21st  through Sunday,  April 29th, 2012.

It was almost as if the genie resided inside the computer instead of the lamp. Having found the answer to my wish, I grabbed some brass polish and went back to the lamp to work on conjuring up the Sofia Loren look alike.

Based in Cannes, Columbus International is a Ducati motorcycle rental touring company that organizes guided motorbike trips across the Provence region of southeastern France, Cote Azur, the French Riviera, and the Alps. If you prefer to conduct your own tour, Columbus International offers the largest selection of Ducati motorcycle rentals in France.

France Sportbike Rental and Italy Motorcycle Tour – Trackday Tuscany Motorcycle Adventure

On this South France and Tuscany motorcycle tour you get to ride the incredible roads of Tuscany, enjoy a tour of the Ducati factory, and experience the excitement of racing the new model KTM’s on a track day made for the motorcycle enthusiast.

Italy offers an abundance of great motorcycle roads. A guide will take you on carefully selected routes across Tuscany and the Apennines while a support vehicle transports your luggage. Also included is a a guided tour of the Ducati motorcycle factory. In addition, we have teamed up with KTM to offer you a day at the Misano MotoGP track. Professional instruction will improve your riding as you get to race the latest KTM’s such as the RC8 R, Superduke R or 990 SM R. Are you ready to race?

Trackday Motorcycle Tour Tuscany (8 days) Itinerary:

Saturday – Pick-up from Nice Airport and welcome in Cannes.
Chauffeur pick-up from Nice Airport and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Tour briefing and welcome drinks in the evening. Overnight in Cannes.

Sunday – Cannes to Cinque Terre
We cross the Alps into Italy and take the Autostrada del Fiori along the shore to Genoa. From there, we embark upon the twisting coastal route to Cinque Terre. Overnight in Levanto.

Monday – Cinque Terre to Rimini
We travel across Tuscany via Florence. The Chianti region offers breathtaking motorcycle roads. Our last leg to Rimini leads us through the Casentinesi National Park. Overnight in Rimini.

Tuesday – KTM Trackday at Misano
After a safety briefing in the morning, you will be allocated your pre-selected KTM. The day’s emphasis is to have fun. Professional instructors help improve your lap times. Overnight in Rimini.

Wednesday – Free time to relax in Rimini & Ducati factory visit
A well deserved day of rest gives you time to relax. Guided visit of the Ducati factory in the afternoon. Overnight in Rimini.

Thursday – Rimini to Borgo Val di Taro
We take the winding roads across the Emilia-Romagna region via Maranello and Parma. We stay overnight in Borgo Val di Taro known for its fine cuisine.

Friday – Val di Taro to Cannes
We continue our Italian adventure across the Apennines and then take the motorway back to sunny South of France. Overnight in Cannes.

Saturday – Goodbye and transfer to Nice Airport
Ciao for now. Chauffeur pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Nice Airport.
Included

Rental motorcycle including insurance, fuel and unlimited mileage for 7 days.

Motorcycle guide on a separate motorbike to lead the tour.

Lunches during guided tours and track day.

7 nights including breakfast and dinner in 4-star hotels.

Transfers between Rimini and Misano race track.

KTM track day racing experience including a KTM RC8 R, Superduke R or 990 SM R.

Guided visit of the Ducati factory in Bologna.

Luggage transports between Cannes and Rimini by van.

Chauffeur airport transfers between Cannes and Nice Airport.

Written by +Bob Schrichte for +RentItToday

For this reason the rental of luxury class items is experiencing growth in recent years,  spawning a growing  rental industry which offers luxury and high end items including the obvious:  houses, vacation homes, exotic cars, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, limousine services and the not so obvious:  Segways, electronics, computers and  even casino parties. Renting the best offers many benefits and with a little homework you’ll learn the cost is often surprisingly affordable for the amenities and features.

A great place to begin exploring the world of luxury rentals is a web site  dedicated to the rental industry and experiencing phenomenal growth since it’s inception five years ago. At www.RentItToday.com, the company slogan is: Making Renting Simple. Individuals who are interested in renting high end items can locate companies in their area or an area they may be visiting which offer luxury rentals. The site features photos and descriptions of  inventory offered by luxury rental companies, as well as  contact information.

RentItToday.com is designed to be a one stop destination for the rental needs of consumers and businesses. When you’re ready to express your style and flair, or offer your customers, guests, or spouse the finest for a reasonable price, Rent It Today is a good resource to know about.

Rent It Today markets and advertises rental companies at their dedicated rental site which currently attracts over 125,000 unique visitors a month. If you’d like to learn about adding your rental business to our growing family, please visit our internet advertising services page.

Why ride dual sport motorcycles?

Let’s face it, there’s a time and a place for everything and every kind of Motorcycle.  “Cruisers” are great for Sunday afternoon riding but the seating position can compromise control on the twisties.  Sport bikes will feed the need for speed, but just try getting off the beaten path: SPLAT.  Touring bikes are great for long distance travel, but sometimes you want something a little lighter to maneuver around on.  Dirt bikes tell it like it is: try riding one for 100 miles on the highway: NOT FUN.

Which brings us to dual sport bikes:

Dual sport is a broad term for street legal motorcycles that are designed to enter off-road situations.  An original definition of dual sport was: “dual” as in road & dirt, and “sport” as  in non-competitive venues.  This concept remains true today.  Kawasaki KLR 650′s, Suzuki DR 200′s, and Suzuki DR 650′s are some of the most popular dual sport bikes on the market today.  Ugly as heck, they are meant to take you to the beautiful places, not to sit and stare at all day like a fool.  Dual sport motorcycles, also known as adventure touring, are a combination of off-road and on-road capability.  It’s a great day when you can catch a twisty in the morning, have lunch in the mountains mid-day, and return to civilization via an unimproved fire road.

Maybe that’s why dual sport motorcycles are so popular. Their torque-y single cylinder engines, exceptional clearance  and road sticking capability get you through the twisties like butter.  Lightweight, with large capacity fuel tanks combined with great fuel economy makes them perfect for a day of riding in the mountains and a full day of fun.  KLR 650′s have plenty of load carrying capability for multi-day trips or camping. Come try one and see what you think.  We think you will be pleasantly surprised — after all, KLR 650′s are the first choice for most round the world travelers on two wheels.  There is a reason dual sports are the world’s most versatile bike. This IS the everything bike!

Here at GSMmotoRent we offer Kawasaki KLR 650′s, Suzuki DR 200′s, and Suzuki DR 650′s dual sport motorcycle rentals for your riding pleasure. GSMmotoRent.com also provides guided motorcycle tour rentals with tour guides like Terry Finchum (Smoky Mountain Dual Sport), and self-guided tour planning throughout the scenic raods and trails of The Great Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Good roads include The Dragon, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Cherohala Skyway, and the Foothills Pkwy.  Trails include Parson’s Branch Rd, Rich Mountain Rd, and Heintooga Rd, all in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  North Carolina offers trails such as Tatum Gap Rd, Winding Stairs, Max Patch Rd, and many more throughout the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests.  We have many of these mapped out with turn by turn directions. -Dan Dickie, owner GSMmotoRent.com

GSM Moto Rent Inc. owns a Smoky Mountain Vacation Cabin Rental, which is available for individuals or small groups, and is located on The Little River in Townsend, Tennessee.  Their Cabin is conveniently located only one half mile from the Great Smoky Mountain National Forrest near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville Tennessee.  Read all about GSMmotoRent.com or contact them:

Phone: 865-448-6090
GSMmotoRent Facebook
GSMmotoRent YouTube
Smoky Mountain Dual Sport Motorcycle Rental Store at RentItToday.com

Rent It Today has a variety of additional vacation rental cabins and rental resources in the popular travel destinations surrounding Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee:

• Gatinlinburg Vacation Rental Cabins
• Pigeon Forge Vacation Cabin Rentals
• Gatlinburg Jeep Rentals
• Tennessee Home Medical Equipment Rentals for any family or friends that are on vacation with you.

Rent A Ducati.com is the only company to focus exclusively on Ducati motorcycle rentals.  The popularity of Ducati motorcycles has expanded significantly recently.  Unfortunately, many people who dream about riding or owning one may be unable to fulfill that desire.  At last, Rent A Ducati.com makes that Ducati rental dream possible. Rent a Ducati has the following motorcycles: an 848 Superbike, a Hypermotard 1100, & a Monster 696, available to rent at our popular San Diego Motorcycle Rental, California location.  We also have Ducati motorcycle rentals available, in Santa Barbara, CA which through our rental program is convenient to Los Angeles, California.

Ducati motorcycles are the Ferraris of the motorcycle world: the epitome of performance-oriented, sexy motorcycles.  As Ducati riders know, Ducati motorcycles are the preeminent Italian motorcycle; sexy, fast, and fun.  As a result, Ducati has a very loyal following called Ducatisti (Ducati fans).  Ducati Motorcycles also have a well-established and lengthy racing history that has earned the respect of the motorcycling world.

Aside from the fun of being able to rent a Ducati motorcycle, something not widely available prior to Rent A Ducati.com, now future Ducati owners can ride various models to help select the right one for purchase.  And, Rent a Ducati enables Ducati dealers to keep fewer “Demo” bikes in stock, allowing room for more new motorcycles.

The combination of GP Motorcycles, the premiere Ducati dealer for the greater San Diego area, and the idyllic riding conditions around San Diego make it our most popular rental location.  We look forward to having our customers take a winding zip up Palomar Mountain, cruise along the California coastline, or roll through the beautiful countryside in Alpine, and Julian, and into the mesmerizing Anza Borrego desert.

The easiest way to reserve a bike is to go to www.RentaDucati.com and book your reservation.  Prices depend on model selected and number of days rented, so check our website for details.  We have a standing weekend special: Rent Saturday and Sunday, get Monday free, and turn the bike in Tuesday morning.  That means a full 1/3rd off the rental price on any bike you select!  If you are in the area, GP Motorcycles is located 3617 India Street, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92103.  Stop by and look at the bikes!

Rent A Ducati.com was started by David Johnson and Dane Nelson after being frustrated by the lack of Ducati motorcycles for rent.  “We wanted to ride the bikes we are passionate about and knew there were others out there feeling the same way.”  Says co-founder Dane, “After riding Ducati motorcycles in Italy and not finding Ducatis for rent in the U.S., I approached David to see if he knew of anyone who rented them.  When the search proved fruitless, we decided to do something about it and make Ducati motorcycles available to everyone who is passionate about motorcycling!”  “Rent A Ducati.com,” says David, “is about turning a dream into a reality: the chance to ride an awesome Ducati motorcycle.”  Contact us by phone: 818-395-3648, email: Info@RentaDucati.com, or visit us on Facebook.

Ducati 1098 S Superbike

Ducati Hypermotard 1100

Ducanti 848 Superbike

Ducati Monster 696

…New York City.  It was interesting to find out, after a little research, that New York City was originally called “The Big Apple”  by John Fitzgerald, a writer for the New York Morning Telegraph.  “In the early 1920′s, apple was a word used to reference the many horse racing courses around New York City. The actual word Apple referred to the lucrative prizes awarded for winning the races.  John Fitzgerald, referred to New York City’s races using the phrase, Around the Big Apple.” With New York City and racing in mind it is certainly fitting that our article today highlights Jupiter’s Motorcycle Rentals LLC. While we are certainly not advocating renting street bikes and racing around New York City, when riding motorcycles you cannot help but embrace the feeling of speed and exhilaration produced from the open air in your face and the road at your feet.  Jupiter’s Motorcycle Rentals provides BMW motorcycle rentals in New York City and Los Angeles, California. Jupiter’s has a very nice selection of high end 2009 model BMW motorcycles for rent.  In addition Jupiter’s provides motorcycle storage rentals, and an incredible “across the country” motorcycle tour from New York City to Los Angeles, California.

Jupiter’s specializes in BMW Motorcycle Rentals for local and cross country rentals. Whether you want to rent a BMW to just get out of the city for a day, or go across the country, Jupiter’s offers the latest BMW motorcycles to help you achieve your ideal adventure.

In the past it was not possible to rent a BMW 1200RT motorcycle and ride it comfortably across the country, one way. Or choose the more nimble BMW F800ST or F650GS motorcycle to ride in and out of  the New York City or Los Angeles metro area, or for that matter ride that BMW motorcycle across the country one way.

Enter Jupiter’s Motorcycle Rentals:

Jupiter’s was spawned from my own riding experiences and is much more than just a business.  In the summer of 2006 I spent over a month traveling alone across China by motorcycle. My only traveling companion was a book by Ted Simon called “Jupiter’s Travels.” Simon traveled around the world alone by motorcycle long before the adventure bikers of today set out to do the same. He wrote of his adventures and how he acquired his name. He was told by a friend, “You have a determined soul. This is reflected in your mind. You are Jupiter…” he said.

To which Simon thought “Why not? I like the sound of that.”

The mission of my trip was very much the same as Ted Simon’s: “The goal was comprehension, and the only way to comprehend the world was by making myself vulnerable to it so that I could change me. The challenge was to lay myself open to everybody and everything that came my way. The prize was to change and grow big enough to feel one with the whole world.”

It surprised me to discover that this sense of rightness does not appear naturally in people, even though they live in the heart of nature,” Simon wrote. To which I agree. It was not my environs that needed to change but me. How do we change?

This isn’t just a motorcycle business to me; it is my attempt to help bring about the change in ourselves we all seek–that feeling of one with the world. Traveling helps me do that–motorcycling brings me closer to the heart of nature both within myself and I find with others.

So, the way I see it, we are all Jupiter if we want to be. Or as another great traveler once wrote: “On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur, l’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.” – One can see rightly only with the heart, what is essential is invisible to the eye.

–Chris Miles, owner Jupiter’s Motorcycle Rentals

You can plan a one way vacation excursion, across the USA motorcycle trip of a lifetime by contacting Jupiter’s Motorcycle Rentals at the following locations:

New York

• 119 8th street, Suite 100
• Brooklyn, NY 11215
• (718) 788–2585

Los Angeles

• 7522 Talbert Avenue, Unit 3
• Huntington Beach CA 92648
• (714) 596–8833

If you are interested in renting a motorcycle, motorcycle storage rentals, or motorcycle tours in the New York City or Los Angeles areas you can view all of Jupiter’s motorcycle rentals here or visit their website directly by clicking here.

Extreme Dream Rider Motorcycle Rental and Sales – Eagle Rider of Newport Beach, CA

EDR rents and sells high performance gas powered motorcycles, trikes, and electric motorcycles in Southern California. We currently offer Harley-Davidson, BMW, Zero electric street bike and Honda street motorcycles along with Honda Off Road and ZERO electric dirt bikes.

Our philosophy is to rent the same quality of motorcycles that we like to ride. All our motorcycles and trikes are maintained in top condition. Our customers enjoy the convenience of renting a top quality motorcycle whenever they need it without the hassle and expense of purchasing, storing and maintaining their own equipment.

Extreme Dream Rider is your answer for motorcycle rentals in Orange County, California. Our shop in Costa Mesa, CA is also one of the few places in the world where you can rent the new ZERO electric motorcycle (dirt and street) and trikes from Honda and Harley-Davidson.

Costa Mesa is between Newport Beach, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, in the heart of Orange County.

Whether you are looking for a 2007 Honda CRF450X Dirt Bike to rent in Los Angeles, a Harley Trike, or a  Harley Davidson Street Glide for your next Southern California Motorcycle Tour, Extreme Dream Ride has the Motorcycle Rental for you!  Next time you are in Los Angeles, Orange County, or another area in Southern California give them a call and satisfy your adventuresome soul.

View Extreme Dream Riders – Newport Beach Eagle Rider Location’s Los Angeles motorcycle rentals, dirt bikes, and trikes on RentItToday.com, visit EagleRider.com, or check our their local website at GoEDR.com. You may also follow Eagle Rider Newport Beach / Extreme Dream Rider on Twitter at @RentAMotorcycle.

Today, we’re starting a new series called “Customer Spotlight” in which we take random businesses in our network and ‘put them on a pedestal’ for a bit.  You’ll see each of our categories covered over the course of the series so please enjoy!

Las Vegas Nightlife

The first beam of light will shine upon “Dream Car Rentals – Las Vegas”.  If you’re going to Vegas, why not hit the streets in style instead of waiting for a taxi?  It’s extremely affordable and you will turn heads when you show up at the “Be’lodge”.

Dream Car Rentals offers Exotic Car Rentals and Rental Motocycles throughout the Las Vegas Metro Area.  If you have ever dreamed of driving a Ferrari 355 Spyder  or Lamborghini Gallardo then its time to make that dream a reality!  Could their be a better place to cruise around in an exotic car than Las Vegas?

From their website:

Ferraris, Vipers, Porsches, Hummers, Luxury SUV’s, Jeeps, other exotic cars and other convertible cars are available for your perfect getaway.

Whether it’s an exciting night on the world famous Strip, a quiet afternoon drive in the mountains, or a drive in the country, arrive there in style from Dream Car Rentals.

If  your luxury dream ride is of the two wheel variety, have no fear Dream Car Rentals also offers Motorcycle Rentals in Las Vegas.  Rent a Harley Davidson motorcycle like the Harley Road King from one of two convenient downtown locations: across from the Stardust Hotel, and next to the Harley Davidson Cafe’.

If you’re going to be in Vegas, give them a call – it’ll be worth it.

View all of Dream Car Rentals Las Vegas Exotic Car Rentals on Rent It Today – or – Go straight to their website.